Author: abbiramy

NATURAL CALAMITIES

INTRODUCTION

A Natural disaster is an unforeseen occurrence of an event that causes harm to society. There are many Natural disasters that damage the environment and the people living in it. Some of them are earthquakes, cyclones, floods, Tsunami, landslides, volcanic eruption, and avalanches. Spatial extent measures the degree or severity of the disaster.

CAUSES OF NATURAL CALAMITIES

The disasters are different according to their occurrence. For example, the causes of an earthquake cannot be the same as that of forest-fire. Natural disasters are caused due to different reasons like soil erosion, seismic activity, tectonic movements, air pressure, and ocean currents etc.Natural activities taking place in the earth’s crust, as well as surface, are the main reasons for these disasters. Flooding and erosion can occur are really prone to the areas where mining, deforestation, and manufacturing have taken place.

LEVELS OF DISASTER

The severity or degree of damage can be further divided into three categories:

Small Scale Disasters: Small scale disasters are those that extend from 50 Kms. to 100 Kms. So this kind of disasters does not cause much damage.

Medium-scale disasters: Medium Scale disasters extend from 100 Kms to 500 Kms. These cause more damage than a small scale disaster. Moreover, they can cause greater damage if they occur in colonial states.

Large Scale Disasters: These disasters cover an area of more than 1000 Kms. These cause the most severe damage to the environment. Furthermore, these disasters can even take over a country if the degree is high. For instance, the wiping out of the dinosaurs was because of a large scale natural disaster.

TYPES OF DISASTER

Earthquake: An earthquake is the shaking or vibrating of the earth. An earthquake can range in sizes. As a result, some are so weak that they go unnoticed. But some are so strong that they can even destroy the whole city. Earthquakes can cause disruption of ground. Moreover, the can also cause landslides, avalanches, and Tsunami. However, the center of an earthquake falls mostly offshore.

Landslides: Landslides is the moving of big boulders of rocks or debris down a slope. As a result, landslides occur on mountains and hilly areas. Moreover, landslides can cause destruction to man-made things in many ways.

Avalanches: Avalanches are like landslides. But instead of rocks thousand tons of snow falls down the slope. Moreover, this causes extreme damage to anything that comes in its way. People who live in snowy mountains always have fear of it.

Tsunami: Tsunami is the production of very high waves in oceans and seas. Moreover, the displacement of the ground causes these high waves. A tsunami can cause floods if it occurs near shores. A Tsunami can consist of multiple waves. Moreover, these waves have a high current. Therefore it can reach coastlines within minutes. The main threat of a tsunami is if a person sees a Tsunami he cannot outrun it.

PREVENTION OF NATURAL CALAMITIES

The best that we can do is to stop the practices that are harmful to our environment and leading to environmental degradation and at the same time, we should also be prepared for a disaster with our disaster management plan. It is also required to dispose of the dead animals as well human bodies properly before an epidemic outbreak. Our environment should be saved from pollution. Stop burning plastics and save the earth. Stop cutting trees. The risk factors for increased infectious diseases transmission and outbreaks are mainly associated with the after-effects of the disasters

THE INHUMAN SATI SYSTEM

INTRODUCTION

The ancient Hindu tradition called sati, wherein a widow would throw herself on her husband’s pyre and burn to death, was initially a voluntary act considered courageous and heroic, but it later became a forced practice. Although sati is now banned all over India, it has a dark history.

MEANING OF SATI

“Sati” originally meant a woman who performed the act of immolating herself after her husband’s death. The word is derived from the Sanskrit word “asti’, which means “She is pure or true”.

In mythological terms, Sati was the name of the wife of Lord Shiva. Her father never respected Shiva and often despised him. To protest against the hatred that her father held for her husband, she burned herself. While she was burning, she prayed to be reborn as Shiva’s wife again. This did happen, and her new incarnation was called Parvati. People used to justify the practice based on this tale, but when Sati burned herself, she wasn’t a widow, and thus the practice is quite unrelated to this tale.

FROM VOLUNTARY TO FORCED

According to ancient Hindu customs, sati symbolised closure to a marriage. It was a voluntary act in which, as a sign of being a dutiful wife, a woman followed her husband to the afterlife. It was, therefore, considered to be the greatest form of devotion of a wife towards her dead husband.

With time, it became a forced practice. Women who did not wish to die like this were forced to do so in different ways. Traditionally, a widow had no role to play in society and was considered a burden. So, if a woman had no surviving children who could support her, she was pressurised to accept sati.

HISTORY OF SATI

Historical records tell us that sati first appeared between 320CE to 550CE, during the rule of Gupta Empire. Incidents of sati were first recorded in Nepal in 464CE, and later on in Madhya Pradesh in 510CE. The practice then spread to Rajasthan, where most number of sati cases happened over the centuries.Initially, the practice of sati was confined to royal families of the Kshatriya caste and only later spread to the lower castes, becoming widely practised among all social classes. Sati was at its peak between the 15th and 18th centuries. During this period, as many as 1000 widows were burned alive every year, most commonly in India and Nepal. However, records show that the practice was also popular in other traditions and in countries like Russia, Fiji and Vietnam.

SOCIETAL EXCEPTIONS TO SATI

There were, however, certain rules that exempted some women from this practice. The first sati rule stated that any widow who was pregnant, menstruating or had very young children, couldn’t partake in this ritual.

Women who committed sati were said to have died chaste, which, people believed, meant she would have good karma and a much better life in her next birth. But this justification didn’t work for Brahmin women as they already belonged to the highest caste, so karmically they couldn’t benefit from sati and thus did not have to practise it.

SATI HANDPRINTS AND SATI STONES

Sati was frequently practised in Rajasthan, more specifically by the women of royal families. A sati stone was created, which was a memorial of all the wives of the kings who died this way. Before giving up their lives, the queens left their handprints on the wall, to be remembered as valiant and devotional wives. Some of these handprints can still be found inside the Mehrangarh Fort.

DIFFERENT VERSION OF SATI- JAUHAR

Rajputs from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh practiced Jauhar. This was collective suicide by the widows of the royal families who preferred dying, rather than being captured, raped and disgraced by soldiers who defeated their kings in the wars. This practice grew in the 14th and 15th centuries, when the Hindu-Muslim wars were at their peak in northwest India. To commit Jauhar, special flammable rooms were built inside the forts out of lacquer and other combustible materials. The practice of Jauhar has been well depicted in the Bollywood movie Padmavat.

PROHIBITION OF SATI

If historical facts are to be believed, the practice of sati was prohibited many times between 15th and 18th centuries. In 1582, Mughal Emperor Akbar outlawed sati, and in 1663, Aurangzeb tried to end it again. Even the Portuguese, French and British, who came to India during the European colonial period, tried to stop sati. In 1850, the British hardened their rules against the practice. Sir Charles Napier ordered to hang to death any Hindu priest who presided over a widow burning. The princely states of India during that time were also pressurised to rule out sati completely. Raja Ram Mohan Roy was one of the key reformers who opposed the practice.

PREVENTION OF SATI ACT (1987)

In 1987, in the village of Deorala in Rajasthan, an 18-year-old married woman named Roop Kanwar was forced to become sati when her husband died after eight months of marriage. She refused. Consequently, a group of men from the village forcefully drugged and immolated her. Police investigated the case and those men were arrested. In light of this incident, the government created the Prevention of Sati Act, making it illegal to force or encourage a woman to commit sati, and anyone doing so would be punished by death. And yet, some widows still choose to become sati – at least four such cases were recorded between 2000 and 2015.

EXAMINATION

INTRODUCTION

Examination is a test of a person’s capacity, knowledge, and ability. It proves what standard of learning a person has acquired during a specific period of time in a specific syllabus. It is the most hated and most shunned things for some students who never like to indulge in it with pleasure until they have a charm of acquiring a degree. Otherwise, they compare it with a nightmare.

EDUCATION SYSTEM AND EXAMS

The system of education of mostly examination ridden which aims at the test of achievement and success. The examination is the center of studies and hard work. It is a motivating force to work.

Its importance and efficacy have been called in question. The most important point is that examinations are not the real test of knowledge and understanding. They are the test of ignorance or cramming. Still, we can say that examinations are necessary evil which cannot be avoided.

USES OF EXAMINATION

1) Difference between genius and dunce

Examinations have many uses. They help us find the most efficient individual among many. we can distinguish between the scholar and the dullard, the genius and the dunce. In this way, they help us discriminate between the genuine gold and the sparkling brass.

2)Compel to work hard

Secondly, the examinations compel us to work hard. the careless students become serious near the examinations. They buy books they had no intention to buy and gird up their loins.It is a fact that many students read for the sake of examinations. Thus, examinations are a very effective way of goading students to read.

3)Fitness for promotion to a higher grade/class

Thirdly, examinations are proof and guarantee of man’s efficiency. They provide us a proof of the fitness of the student for promotion to a higher grade/class. An employer can safely entrust a job to the degree holder. Without a degree, no one will higher his services. The factories, industries or mills cannot allow the person to perform a technical task without a specific degree/course.

4)Way to attain degrees / diplomas

Similarly, we do not ask everyone to prescribe medicine for us. Only the person holding a degree enjoys the right to operate upon our body. Hence, if we abolish examinations, we shall have to abolish degrees or diplomas.

ABUSES OF EXAMINATION

Examinations have certain abuses as well. Many students consider it a curse. They consider them to be a game of chance. The students are never sure of their success. There are always doubts in their minds. Success does not depend upon preparation. Even a student with selected studies may pass and the student with thorough preparation may fail.

1)Uncertainty of success

Some students keep studying the whole session but fail. On the other hand, many others who buy help books and cheap notes near the examinations and cram a few questions, pass. Such examinations are a curse for the shining students.

2)Test of memory

The examinations are a test of nerves. All examinations have a limit of time and place. A student is tested at a bad place and in a bad manner. The question arises how a student’s hard work and worth for a semester or full one year is judged in a short time. They are never a foolproof test of one’s ability. They are the test of one’s memory and writing/typing speed.

3)Use of unfair means

Some students try to use unfair means to pass out the examinations. The innocent, hardworking and intelligent remain in the background.

CONCLUSION

But in spite of all this, we cannot say that there should be no examinations. There must be some proper way of judging the real worth of the students. So proper changes are required to avoid the abuses and increase the usefulness of the examinations. The assessment criteria of the examinations must be improved in such a way that all the students can show their abilities and can pass them without any fear.

PUNCTUALITY

INTRODUCTION

Punctuality refers to the habit of a human being completing their tasks on time. We can say that punctuality is a great habit which surely results in success. All the leaders have punctuality in common as the habit is such. In other words, when you are on time, you will maintain the discipline and order in your life. It will, in turn, help you achieve your goals faster within a set time period.

Moreover, it also makes you a man of habit. This creates a very good impression in front of others. Punctuality is an etiquette which encourages us to complete our work in a timely fashion. It also makes us realize the importance of time. A person who is punctual will always know how to respect their time and others as well.

IMPORTANCE OF PUNCTUALITY

Punctuality is of great importance, it is truly underestimated and must be given utmost importance. When a person becomes punctual, everything else falls into place. You get discipline in life and also earn the respect of the others.

Subsequently, a punctual person works on time without any hindrance. The people who are employed in armies and navies are given rigorous training to become disciplined and punctual. They pay no heed to any circumstances be it rain or thunder, they care about their punctuality.

Furthermore, punctuality pushes the person to achieve success at faster rates than others. We must develop this quality in children from an early age which will make it easy for everyone to lead a better life. When a person is punctual, they get utmost respect and admiration by society and reach greater heights than an unpunctual person.

DOOR TO SUCCESS

It is evident that Punctuality is one of the key aspects to attain success in life. One who understands and values time can easily become a Punctual individual and in lieu become successful. It helps one to understand the value of time. And as we all know time is the most precious thing in our life. Time once lost, can never come back. We cannot make and get back to the lost time. It is the habit of punctuality which makes us understand and learns us to respect the value of Time. Becoming a successful person in life implies achieving ones’ goals in time with proper planning and dedication, which can again only be attained by being punctual in life. Knowing the value of time-aware an individual to utilize the time in the best way. And to utilize time in the best way is the definition of being punctual.

PUNCTUALITY IN STUDENT’S LIFE

For a student, punctuality is the stepping stone towards discipline and being sincere. It is utmost important for a student to be punctual to attain success during his/her school life. It is the base on which the student’s life during school and afterward shapes up. A student being punctual is considered having one of the noblest virtue. It helps them to cultivate the habit of completing their tasks in due time. Punctuality proves the great saying, “A stitch in time, saves nine” meaning completing ones’ task in due time and avoiding troublesome.

It is the virtue of punctuality which makes the students more discipline and responsibility. A sense of responsibility is attained by the virtue of punctuality. Being punctual a student can always be at the right time whether be it in school, in the lab, in class, at home, in the examination hall, at the playground, etc. The teachers and parents of other students highly appreciate the students who are punctual.

ADVANTAGE OF PUNCTUALITY

Punctuality leads to a happy mind. It is a key to happiness and having a healthy mind. Therefore, any person having this quality would always feel comfortable while doing his/her work. He/She wakes up early in the morning and always feel energetic to do more tasks. Punctuality brings positivity in our mind and heart. One is clear about his/her thoughts, plan and activities, which is also an essential element to move forward in life.

CONCLUSION

Punctuality is not being practiced only by human beings but also the nature around us. Every day, the sun rises in the morning, sets in the evening. After the day, comes the night. Each of the seasons follows their timeline. All these natural phenomena encourage us to be punctual in our life to attain a goal and have a peaceful mind. Thus, Punctuality is the essence of life. It is very important for us to develop such quality from a very young age and lead ourselves and our country to a greater high. The rate of growth of the Human Development Index is bettered in a country where everyone knows and understands the value of time by being punctual. It ultimately helps in the growth of the country. Therefore, punctuality is not only a key to success for an individual but also for the entire community, nation, globe.

CASTE SYSTEM OF INDIA

India’s caste system is among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification. The BBC explains its complexities. The system which divides Hindus into rigid hierarchical groups based on their karma (work) and dharma (the Hindi word for religion, but here it means duty) is generally accepted to be more than 3,000 years old.

ORIGIN OF CASTE SYSTEM

Manusmriti is widely regarded to be the most important and authoritative book on Hindu law and dating back to at least 1,000 years before Christ was born, “acknowledges and justifies the caste system as the basis of order and regularity of society”. The caste system divides Hindus into four main categories – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and the Shudras. Many believe that the groups originated from Brahma, the Hindu God of creation.

At the top of the hierarchy were the Brahmins who were mainly teachers and intellectuals and are believed to have come from Brahma’s head. Then came the Kshatriyas, or the warriors and rulers, supposedly from his arms. The third slot went to the Vaishyas, or the traders, who were created from his thighs. At the bottom of the heap were the Shudras, who came from Brahma’s feet and did all the menial jobs.

The main castes were further divided into about 3,000 castes and 25,000 sub-castes, each based on their specific occupation. Outside of this Hindu caste system were the achhoots – the Dalits or the untouchables.

WORKING OF CASTE SYSTEM

For centuries, caste has dictated almost every aspect of Hindu religious and social life, with each group occupying a specific place in this complex hierarchy. Rural communities have long been arranged on the basis of castes – the upper and lower castes almost always lived in segregated colonies, the water wells were not shared, Brahmins would not accept food or drink from the Shudras, and one could marry only within one’s caste.

The system bestowed many privileges on the upper castes while sanctioning repression of the lower castes by privileged groups. Often criticised for being unjust and regressive, it remained virtually unchanged for centuries, trapping people into fixed social orders from which it was impossible to escape. Despite the obstacles, however, some Dalits and other low-caste Indians, such as BR Ambedkar who authored the Indian constitution, and KR Narayanan who became the nation’s first Dalit president, have risen to hold prestigious positions in the country.

Historians, though, say that until the 18th Century, the formal distinctions of caste were of limited importance to Indians, social identities were much more flexible and people could move easily from one caste to another. New research shows that hard boundaries were set by British colonial rulers who made caste India’s defining social feature when they used censuses to simplify the system, primarily to create a single society with a common law that could be easily governed.

EVIL FACES OF THIS SYSTEM

UNTOUCHABILITY

Many villages are separated by caste and they may not cross the line dividing them from the higher castes. They also may not use the same wells or drink in the same tea stalls as higher castes.

DISCRIMINATION

They often do not have the facility to electricity, sanitation facilities or water pumps in lower caste neighbourhoods. Access to better education, housing and medical facilities than that of the higher castes is denied.

DIVISION OF LABOUR

They are restricted to certain occupations like sanitation work, plantation work, leather works, cleaning streets, etc.

SLAVERY

They are subjected to exploitation in the name of debt, tradition, etc., to work as labourers or perform menial tasks for generations together.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

The Indian Government has enacted laws to remove untouchability and has also brought in many reforms to improve the quality of life for the weaker sections of society. Few among them are: Constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights

Abolition of ‘ untouchability’ in 1950

Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

Provision of reservation in places like educational institutions, for employment opportunities etc.

Establishing social welfare departments and national commissions for the welfare of scheduled castes and tribes

These measures adopted by the government have brought some relief to the weaker sections of society. The urban areas have shown good amount of impact and some improvement. However, people in rural areas and villages still face extreme discrimination. We indeed have a long way to go in achieving the objectives set to eradicate and abolish discrimination, on the basis of caste and creed. It now depends on our efforts and a change in our mindset is sure to see a perpetual change, bringing about equality for all.

CASTE POLITICS

Many political parties in India have indulged in caste-based votebank politics. Parties such as Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Samajwadi Party and the Janata Dal claim that they are representing the backward castes, and rely on OBC support, often in alliance with Dalit and Muslim support, to win elections.

UNTOUCHABILITY

MEANING

Untouchability is the practice of discriminating various individuals and groups based on their cast and the jobs done by them. Untouchability is practiced for a very long time. It works on the Indian caste system hierarchy. The untouchables usually bear inhuman treatment because they belong to the lower caste. They have been going through various kinds of discrimination in almost all places.

HISTORY OF UNTOUCHABILITY IN INDIA

The term Dalit for the untouchables is derived from the Sanskrit which means broken or downtrodden. Some people believe that the system of untouchability only prevails in India but it is also prevalent in other countries such as Japan, Tibet, and Korea.

The castes have been derived from Vedic texts which divide people into four major groups: Brahmans – Priests and elite people, Kshatriyas – Warriors, Vaishyas – Small Businessmen and Merchants, Shudras –Sanitary workers. Thus, these differences in the people of ancient India were mostly based on caste and profession of the people

STRUGGLES FOR THE ABOLISHMENT OF UNTOUCHABILITY

After fighting for years against exercising dominance over the oppressed class, the practice of untouchability still has its marks in many societies around us. Even educated people follow these practices.

Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi were among the prominent leaders who fought very hard for the abolition of the practice of untouchability. Thus, the hard work of such people gave a rightful chance to the Dalits to prove themselves and enhance the chance of equality, harmony, and brotherhood in the society.

EVIL EFFECTS OF UNTOUCHABILITY

Untouchability leads to social discrimination. It damages social harmony. It has created wide social distance between the two groups, touchable and untouchables. Untouchability perpetuates inequality. It cannot support the development of healthy democratic tradition. Untouchability has damaged the self-image and prestige of the scheduled castes. It has developed a sense of inferiority among the scheduled castes. The practice of untouchability has brought down the image of the Indians in the eyes of the foreigners. Untouchability has provided the scope for religious conversions.

AMENDMENTS IN THE CONSTITUTION

After several movements and struggles to abolish the practice of untouchability, laws were made in the constitution to accommodate the interests of the oppressed classes. Article 17 of the Indian Constitution abolished untouchability and declared it as a punishable act.  According to this, no one can restrict the Dalits or Harijans from entering temples, streets, buses, etc. They are free to use all public services with respect and dignity. Also, no one can refuse from selling anything to the Dalit people.

The government also gives reservation to these castes. Reservation means that a certain percentage of places in government colleges and jobs are reserved for the people from lower classes. It, therefore, ensures that their oppression in the past does not affect the progress of their present and their future. The reservation also aims at providing them a fair chance of education which is beneficial for them along with their families and generations to come.

TODAY’S SCENARIO OF UNTOUCHABILITY

Today the view of untouchability is different from ancient India. People are becoming more aware and are adapting to rational thinking. In spite of the constitutional amendments; untouchability, and caste discrimination still prevail in society. The politicians use this to increase their vote bank and gain power in the government.

The Dalits living in the cities are less vulnerable to this practice of discrimination as compared to those living in rural areas. People living in rural areas prefer to stick to their traditional beliefs, practices and refuse to accept the changes made for the betterment of society.

CONCLUSION

All people are equal in the eyes of law. We shall not discriminate and dominate others on the basis of their caste. We should teach our children about the importance of sensibility, generosity, and equality with all people.  The Dalits face discrimination majorly because of their jobs such as cleaning public areas etc. Basically, we shall respect them the most as they keep our society clean and healthy. Therefore, the young generation should take charge and fight for its complete abolition.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION

INTRODUCTION

Sleep deprivation or sleeplessness, is the condition of not having adequate duration and/or quality of sleep to support decent alertness, performance, and health. It can be either chronic or acute and may vary widely in severity. Acute sleep deprivation is when an individual does not sleep at all for a short period of time – usually lasting one to two days. Chronic sleep deprivation means when an individual routinely sleeps less than an optimal amount for ideal functioning. 

CAUSES OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Stress. Concerns about work, school, health, finances or family can keep your mind active at night, making it difficult to sleep. Stressful life events or trauma — such as the death or illness of a loved one, divorce, or a job loss — also may lead to insomnia.

Travel or work schedule. Your circadian rhythms act as an internal clock, guiding such things as your sleep-wake cycle, metabolism and body temperature. Disrupting your body’s circadian rhythms can lead to insomnia. Causes include jet lag from traveling across multiple time zones, working a late or early shift, or frequently changing shifts.

Poor sleep habits. Poor sleep habits include an irregular bedtime schedule, naps, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and using your bed for work, eating or watching TV. Computers, TVs, video games, smartphones or other screens just before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle.

Eating too much late in the evening. Having a light snack before bedtime is OK, but eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down. Many people also experience heartburn, a backflow of acid and food from the stomach into the esophagus after eating, which may keep you awake.

Mental health disorders. Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, may disrupt your sleep. Awakening too early can be a sign of depression. Insomnia often occurs with other mental health disorders as well.

Caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Coffee, tea, cola and other caffeinated drinks are stimulants. Drinking them in the late afternoon or evening can keep you from falling asleep at night. Nicotine in tobacco products is another stimulant that can interfere with sleep. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes awakening in the middle of the night.

Sleep-related disorders. Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, interrupting your sleep. Restless legs syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in your legs and an almost irresistible desire to move them, which may prevent you from falling asleep.

SYMPTOMS OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

You may be sleep deprived if you:

Feel tired, irritable, and fatigued during the day; yawn frequently.

Have to take a nap during the day.

Fall asleep on the couch in the evening.

Have experienced mood changes, including feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, paranoid, or suicidal.

Find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, need an alarm clock to wake up on time, or repeatedly hit the snooze button.

CONSEQUENCES OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Changes in energy. Feeling fatigued, lethargic, and lacking motivation in your work, school, and home life. You may crave sugar, caffeine, or naps throughout the day.

Mental health problems. Sleep deprivation can cause moodiness and irritability, increase your risk of depression and anxiety, and affect your ability to cope with stress or manage difficult emotions. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation can even cause hallucinations and delirium.

Impaired brain activity, including learning, concentration, and memory problems. Lack of sleep can reduce creativity and problem-solving skills, and affect your judgment, coordination, and reaction times. In fact, sleep deprivation can impair your motor skills just as much as being drunk, increasing your risk for accidents.

Impacting the cardiovascular system. Missing out on sleep can trigger harmful inflammation and raise your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, increasing your risk for heart disease.

Relationship problems. Increased moodiness and anger issues can trigger arguments, while sleep deprivation can also decrease your sex drive, even reduce the production of hormones and cause problems with fertility.

Changes in appearance, including premature skin aging and weight gain.

Increased risk of serious health problems including stroke, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers.

MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Medical treatment for sleep disturbances might include any of the following:

Sleeping pills

melatonin supplements

allergy or cold medication

medications for any underlying health issues

breathing device or surgery (usually for sleep apnea)

a dental guard (usually for teeth grinding)

PREVENTION OF SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Create and stick to a regular and consistent sleeping schedule. Maintain a strict time to go to bed and wake up to develop a routine.

Avoid taking naps during the day because naps make you less sleepy at night.

Avoid alcohol and caffeine within 8 hours of bedtime

Limit the use of electronic appliances (television, laptop, & mobile) 1 hour before bed. These devices emit light and disrupt your body’s biological clock.

Try not to exercise three hours before the time you go to sleep. Regular exercising in the day, however, is beneficial.

Meditate to improve your focus, mindfulness, relieve stress and reduce anxiety stress.

OBESITY

MEANING

In simple words, obesity refers to a body state that is excessively beyond the ideal Body Mass Index. In adults, obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or more, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity has become a very serious issue among youngsters in these modern times.

CAUSES OF OBESITY

When a person consumes more calories than they use as energy, their body will store the extra calories as fat. This can lead to obesity. Also, some foods and beverages — especially those that are high in fats and sugars — are more likely to lead to weight gain

Items that tend to increase the risk of weight gain include:• fast foods• fried foods, such as french fries• fatty and processed meats• many dairy products• foods with added sugar, such as baked goods, ready made breakfast cereals, and cookies• foods containing hidden sugars, such as ketchup and many other canned and packaged food items

Many people lead a much more sedentary lifestyle than their parents and grandparents did.Some examples of sedentary habits include:• working in an office rather than doing manual labor• playing games on a computer instead of doing physical activities outside• going to places by car instead of walking or cyclingSome medications can also lead to weight gain.• hypoglycemia medications, such as tolbutamide• glucocorticoids for rheumatoid arthritis• some antidepressants

COMPLICATIONS OF OBESITY

Obesity has been linked to a number of health complications,

• type 2 diabetes• heart disease• high blood pressure• certain cancers (breast, colon, and endometrial)• stroke• gallbladder disease• fatty liver disease• infertility

DIAGNOSIS OF OBESITY

Certain tests to help diagnose obesity-related health risks include

• blood tests to examine cholesterol and glucose levels• liver function tests• a diabetes screening• thyroid tests• heart tests, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)• screening tests, such as ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI scans

OBESITY PREVENTION TIPS

PREVENTION OF OBESITY IN CHILDREN

Gradually work to change family eating habits and activity levels rather than focusing on a child’s weight

• Be a role model. Parents who eat healthy foods and participate in physical activity set an example so that a child is more likely to do the same.

• Keep the refrigerator stocked with fat-free or low-fat milk, fresh fruit, and vegetables instead of soft drinks and snacks high in sugar and fat

.• Serve at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

• Encourage children to drink water rather than beverages with added sugar. These include soft drinks, sports drinks, and fruit juice drinks.

PREVENTION OF OBESITY IN ADULTS

• Choose whole grain foods, such as brown rice and whole wheat bread. Don’t eat highly processed foods made with refined white sugar, flour, high-fructose corn syrup and saturated fat

.• Weigh and measure food to be able to learn correct portion sizes. For example, a 3-ounce serving of meat is the size of a deck of cards. Don’t order supersized menu items.

• Learn to read food nutrition labels and use them, keep the number of portions you are really eating in mind.

• Simply reducing portion sizes and using a smaller plate can help you lose weight.

• Aim for an average of 60 to 90 minutes or more of moderate to intense physical activity 3 to 4 days each week. Examples of moderate intensity exercise are walking a 15-minute mile, or weeding and hoeing a garden. Running or playing singles tennis are examples of more intense activities.

CONCLUSION

Recognition is increasing that overweight and obesity are not only problems of individuals, but also societywide problems of populations. Acting on this recognition will require multifaceted, population-based changes in the socioenvironmental variables that influence energy intake and expenditure.“Obesity is very easy to catch but they cannot run so fast”.

EDUCATION- A TOOL FOR EMPOWERMENT

Empowerment means moving from enforced powerlessness to a position of power. Education is an essential means of empowering women with the knowledge, skills and self-confidence necessary to fully participate in the development process. Sustainable development is only possible when women and men enjoy equal opportunities to reach their potential.Women and girls experience multiple and intersecting inequalities.

Structural barriers in the economic, social, political and environmental spheres produce and reinforce these inequalities. Obstacles to women’s economic and political empowerment, and violence against women and girls, are barriers to sustainable development and the achievement of human rights, gender equality, justice and peace.Across much of the world, either by law or custom, women are still denied the right to own land or inherit property, obtain access to credit, attend school, earn income and progress in their profession free from job discrimination.Women are significantly under-represented in decision-making at all levels.

While the economic benefits of educating girls are similar to those of educating boys, recent findings suggest the social benefits are greater.Women have the potential to change their own economic status and that of their communities and countries in which they live yet usually women’s economic contributions are unrecognized, their work undervalued and their promise undernourished.

Unequal opportunities between women and men hamper women’s ability to lift themselves from poverty and secure improved options to improve their lives. Education is the most powerful instrument for changing women’s position in society.Investing in women’s and girls’ education is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty.In line with the Millennium Development Goals and the objectives established by the international community, MASHAV, Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation, at Israel’s Foreign Ministry, consistently promotes the empowerment of women, considering women’s education a critical component of development policy and planning, and central to sustainable development.

Following important changes in the international development landscape in recent years MASHAV adopted a dual approach to development: We engage in active development policy dialogues and development diplomacy, thus contributing to and shaping policy at a higher, multilateral level.

And, through professional programs, we maintain an active and effective presence at the field level.One of MASHAV’s earliest affiliate training institutions, The Golda Meir Mount Carmel International Training Center (MCTC), has addressed the connection between gender, poverty reduction and sustainable development for over five decades.MCTC places education at the core of women’s ability to contribute to all activities, working to enhance knowledge, competency and skills, including in the development process and in their contributions to civil society.

Guided by this mindset, MASHAV, together with MCTC, the UN Development Program and UN Women is organizing the 28th International Conference for Women Leaders on “The Post-2015 and Sustainable Development Goals Agenda: Ensuring the Centrality of Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in the Next Framework.”

Education is important for everyone, but it is a critical area of empowerment for girls and women. This is not only because education is an entry point to opportunity but also because women’s educational achievements have positive ripple effects within the family and across generations.Education is much more than reading and writing. It is an essential investment countries make for their futures, a crucial factor in reducing poverty and achieving sustainable development.

Experience has shown that the relationship between education and empowerment is not as simple as it may first appear; while education is undoubtedly a key element contributing to empowerment, the two do not necessarily go hand in hand.

Many educational programmes will focus on students’ acquisition of formal knowledge and training, and will often equip them with the technical skills necessary to take up paid employment in a specific sector. For adolescent girls, this can mean being formally trained in an activity traditionally seen as “women’s work”, such as sewing, the small-scale production and commercialisation of food products, artisanal production or secretarial skills for the more literate.

While it is often important that girls receive this vocational training as part of their education, a more holistic approach that places a strong emphasis on enabling girls to develop a wider awareness of themselves and the external context in which they live is also vital. Having the opportunity to develop an awareness of their own social situation, as well as to gain confidence and self-esteem, means not only that girls are in a better position to deal with the multiple challenges that entry into the labour market can pose, but also are increasingly empowered to define and act upon their ambitions.

Education is a powerful tool. It has the power to transform lives. Education has empowered the women and due to education women all over the world are starting to become more active in all areas like political , administrative, judiciary etc. Women have taken up big responsibilities and delivered great results.

COVID-19 IMPACT ON MENTAL HEALTH

INTRODUCTION

Since anyone of any gender and sociodemographic status can be infected, it is understandable, that increasing mental health issues such as anxiety or depression resulting in erratic behaviour among people amidst infectious outbreaks is a not-uncommon phenomenon. Outbreaks can have a profound and broad spectrum of psychological impact on people. At an individual level, new psychiatric symptoms in people without mental illness can precipitate, or aggravate the condition of those with pre-existing mental illness and cause distress to the caregivers of affected persons. Individuals may experience fear and anxiety of falling sick or dying, helplessness, or blame of other people who are ill, potentially triggering off a mental breakdown, regardless of their exposure.

Many people have lost their jobs or are working reduced hours. Due to the enormity of this pandemic and the global shut down the sense of normality has been turned upside down. The uncertainty over what even the near future holds will make sustained attention a challenge. A lot of people have to teach or take care of their children at home who used to be at school, kindergarten or childcare. Some people are struggling to figure out how they should pay rent or buy groceries, and are experiencing that the businesses or careers they’ve spent years building have no meaning anymore. Some individuals have health conditions that make them anxious (and vulnerable) about catching the virus.

Significant psychiatric conditions could be found varying from depression, anxiety, panic attacks, somatic symptoms, and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, to delirium, psychosis and even suicidality, which could be associated with younger age and increased self-blame. For persons grieving from the traumatic and sudden loss of loved ones from the outbreak, the inability to gain closure can result in additional stresses, anger and resentment. According to a study on 1210 Chinese citizens in China in the first two weeks following the outbreak conducted by Wang et al, females were reported to experience a higher degree of the psychological impact of the outbreak, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. This finding concurred with previous epidemiological studies that found women to be at an elevated risk of depression, which could possibly be due to their unique biological and socioeconomic factors

Persons who are sick or quarantined may experience shame, guilt, or stigma. Studies reported a high prevalence of psychological distress with longer duration of quarantine which was associated with an increased prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms correlating with symptoms of depression. Foreigners under quarantine or in isolation in hospitals are at increased risk of psychiatric issues, as they are deprived of their social supports and risk uncertainty for repatriation, thereby necessitating practical and emotional support for them.

At the community level, there could be distrust towards other individuals in terms of disease spread and the government and healthcare services in terms of their capability to manage the outbreak. With the closure of community services and the collapse of industries negatively impacting the economy, a lot of people face financial losses and risk unemployment, which will be intensifying the negative emotions experienced by individuals. 

CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

In difficult times it is normal for children and other family members may have strong reactions like sadness, being irritable or confused. Sleeping disorders, physical reactions and fear of the unknown could take place. Everyone reacts differently. Some parents perhaps immediately develop a new home routine, some others may struggle in balancing their work and home duties. As a reaction to these new situations children can experience intense sadness or anger, others may be withdrawn or behave as if nothing has happened.

When schools close it means that children and adolescents who have mental health needs, do not have access to the resources they usually have through schools. For young people with mental health problems, the routine of school helps them have an anchor in life the closure means that their symptoms could relapse. Adolescents in racial and ethnic minority groups, having a low family income, or with public health insurance already have less access to mental health services without school closures.

Children who have special education needs like those in the autism spectrum or other disabilities are also at risk. When their daily routines are disrupted they can become frustrated and short-tempered. Parents could create a schedule for their children to reduce anxiety induced by uncertainty. Furthermore suspended therapy sessions of children with special needs could decrease their chance to develop essential skills

TIPS TO OVERCOME STRESS DURING COVID-19

Exercise Regularly

Exercising helps release endorphins within your system, which play a vital role in elevating your mood and keeping a positive attitude. Stretching exercises and yoga also help keep you fit and your mind calm.

Take a Break

The constantly negative news can be a lot to handle. Decide the amount of exposure to the news that works for you. Especially if there are children involved, make sure you expose them to only age-appropriate material. Ever so often disconnect physically and mentally from anything to do with the Coronavirus coverage. Play with puzzles, read a book, reorganize or clean instead.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Unnecessary stress can cause you to overeat or eat unhealthy, adversely affecting your metabolism. Avoid emotional eating by identifying trigger factors and keeping away from the urge. Keep healthy snacks around you such as fruit bowls, nuts or even granola bars. Keeping your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day helps regulate your mood and emotions. Good nutrition also keeps your immune system healthy.

Find Ways to Express Yourself

Whether by putting pen to paper, capturing videos, scrapbooking, keeping a journal or by blogging, expressing yourself helps to cope with your feelings. You can either write extensively or just a line a day, as long as you find a hobby that works best for you. This keeps the stress away and gives you something to look forward to every day.

Offer to Help People when You Can

If you need help with groceries or medications for someone at home, do not hesitate to ask for help. Similarly, if you are stepping out, you can take a list of errands from elderly or sick people who cannot get out. Helping people out gives you a sense of fulfillment and calms the restless mind.

THE DEADLY BLACK FUNGUS

INTRODUCTION

Mucormycosis is a very rare infection. It is caused by exposure to mucor mould which is commonly found in soil, plants, manure, and decaying fruits and vegetables. It affects the sinuses, the brain and the lungs and can be life-threatening in diabetic or severely immunocompromised individuals, such as cancer patients or people with HIV/AIDS.

Doctors believe mucormycosis, which has an overall mortality rate of 50%, may be being triggered by the use of steroids, a life-saving treatment for severe and critically ill Covid-19 patients.

Steroids reduce inflammation in the lungs for Covid-19 and appear to help stop some of the damage that can happen when the body’s immune system goes into overdrive to fight off coronavirus. But they also reduce immunity and push up blood sugar levels in both diabetics and non-diabetic Covid-19 patients.

It’s thought that this drop in immunity could be triggering these cases of mucormycosis.

WHY BLACK FUNGUS HITS COVID-19 PATIENTS?

Mucormycosis can occur any time after COVID-19 infection, either during the hospital stay or several days to a couple of weeks after discharge.

The COVID-19 causes favourable alteration in the internal milieu of the host for the fungus and the medical treatment given, unwittingly also abets fungal growth. COVID-19 damages the airway mucosa and blood vessels. It also causes an increase in the serum iron which is very important for the fungus to grow. Medications like steroids increase blood sugar. Broad-spectrum antibiotics not only wipe out the potentially pathogenic bacteria but also the protective commensals. Antifungals like Voriconazole inhibit Aspergillosis but Mucor remains unscathed and thrives due to lack of competition. Long-term ventilation reduces immunity and there are speculations of the fungus being transmitted by the humidifier water being given along with oxygen. All the above make for a perfect recipe for mucormycosis infection.

SYMPTOMS OF BLACK FUNGUS

Nasal blockage, bleeding, discharge from the nose are initial features of mucormycosis. On endoscopic visualization of the nasal cavity an unmistakable black eschar (slough or dead tissue) coated masses will be present which gives away the diagnosis. As the disease progresses the palate may be destroyed as a large black necrotic mass may be seen on opening the mouth. When the orbit is involved there will be proptosis (protrusion of eyeball), loss of movements of the eyeball with consequent double vision. Eye pain, redness with blindness can follow. If the brain is invaded due to blood vessel blockage there will be strokes, hemorrhages, and even death. Patients can also have headaches, drowsiness, limb weakness, seizures and even death.

In lung mucormycosis clinical features are similar to COVID-19 with fever, cough, shortness of breath, making clinical diagnosis difficult. Suspicion of fungal infection must be considered when a patient despite getting appropriate medications is not improving or was improving and has unexplained deterioration. CT chest helps in diagnosis by revealing additional lung lesions. Diagnosis is by microscopic evaluation of the bronchopulmonary lavage aspirate.

TREATMENT OF BLACK FUNGUS

Once a clinical and radiological diagnosis is made, endoscopic evaluation of the nasal cavity can confirm a fungal lesion. Immediate surgical debulking is a must. The surgery can be radical and disfiguring but is acceptable considering the existential crisis of leaving behind any residual tissue. The entire nasal cavity needs to be scoured and all fungal, necrotic tissue needs to be removed. If the orbit is involved surgeries as drastic as exenteration of the eye socket contents may be required. Intracranial decompression may be required if the infection has spread to the brain. Surgical intervention should be undertaken a couple of hours after diagnosis.

In tandem, medical management with antifungal drugs, namely injection Liposomal amphotericin-B needs to be instituted. Older form amphotericin deoxycholate is significantly nephrotoxic. However, the liposomal cousin is safe and effective. Posaconazole tablets/ suspension and intravenous forms are available and are used in lieu of amphotericin if the latter is not tolerated by the patient. Following several weeks of intravenous medication depending on the response the patient is put on oral posaconazole sustained release tablets for several months. Isavuconazole is also an alternative drug that can be used. Drugs are stopped after clinical and radiological clearance of the disease.

During treatment, judicious use of steroids (keeping blood sugar levels under control), antibiotics, and other antifungal drugs need to be done.

PREVENTION OF BLACK FUNGUS

Prevention is always better than cure.

In hospital:

*Maintenance of good hygiene and cleanliness is a must. Regular oral hygiene care with mouthwash, povidone-iodine gargles must be done.
*While administering oxygen, water for humidification must be sterile and there should be no leakage from the humidifier.
*Steroid usage must be limited to no more than necessary with strict blood glucose control.
*Unnecessary use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, antifungals should not do as this removes the normal commensal flora resulting in the growth of unwanted organisms due to lack of competition.

Once discharged:

*Stay indoors as much as possible
*Regular exercises
*Control of blood sugars
*At home, the surroundings must be clean and free from dust and dampness
*Maintain oral and nasal hygiene
*While going out always wear an N-95 mask
*Avoid construction areas, fields, grounds.
*Soil and plants are the areas that abound with fungi. Hence better to avoid working with soil, gardening. If unavoidable, masks, rubber gloves, and boots are a must.

The key take-home messages are opportunistic fungal infections are occurring in COVID-19 patients, awareness among health care providers and the public is important, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment are paramount for improving outcomes in an otherwise dismal disease, together we can definitely win this battle against COVID 19 and mucormycosis

NATIONAL EDUCATION POLICY 2020

INTRODUCTION

  • The NEP 2020 aims at making “India a global knowledge superpower”.
  • The Cabinet has also approved the renaming of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to the Ministry of Education.
  • The NEP cleared by the Cabinet is only the third major revamp of the framework of education in India since independence.
    • The two earlier education policies were brought in 1968 and 1986

KEY POINTS

  • School Education:
    • Universalization of education from preschool to secondary level with 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in school education by 2030.
    • To bring 2 crore out of school children back into the mainstream through an open schooling system.
    • It will bring the uncovered age group of 3-6 years under school curriculum, which has been recognized globally as the crucial stage for development of mental faculties of a child.
  • It will also have 12 years of schooling with three years of Anganwadi/ pre schooling.
  • Class 10 and 12 board examinations to be made easier, to test core competencies rather than memorised facts, with all students allowed to take the exam twice.
  • School governance is set to change, with a new accreditation framework and an independent authority to regulate both public and private schools.
  • Emphasis on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, no rigid separation between academic streams, extracurricular, vocational streams in schools.
  • Vocational Education to start from Class 6 with Internships.
  • Teaching up to at least Grade 5 to be in mother tongue/regional language. No language will be imposed on any student.
  • Assessment reforms with 360 degree Holistic Progress Card, tracking Student Progress for achieving Learning Outcomes
  • A new and comprehensive National Curriculum Framework for Teacher Education (NCFTE) 2021, will be formulated by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) in consultation with National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
  • By 2030, the minimum degree qualification for teaching will be a 4-year integrated B.Ed. degree.

EDUCATION IN INDIA

  • Constitutional Provisions:
    • Part IV of Indian Constitution, Article 45 and Article 39 (f) of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), has a provision for state-funded as well as equitable and accessible education.
    • The 42nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1976 moved education from the State to the Concurrent List.
      • The education policies by the Central government provides a broad direction and state governments are expected to follow it. But it is not mandatory, for instance Tamil Nadu does not follow the three-language formula prescribed by the first education policy in 1968.
    • The 86th Amendment in 2002 made education an enforceable right under Article 21-A.
    • Related Laws:
    • Right To Education (RTE) Act, 2009 aims to provide primary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years and enforces education as a Fundamental Right.
    • It also mandates 25% reservation for disadvantaged sections of the society where disadvantaged groups
    • Government Initiatives:
    • Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meal Scheme, Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS schools), Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV schools) and use of IT in education are a result of the NEP of 1986.

WAY FORWARD

  • A New Education Policy aims to facilitate an inclusive, participatory and holistic approach, which takes into consideration field experiences, empirical research, stakeholder feedback, as well as lessons learned from best practices.
  • It is a progressive shift towards a more scientific approach to education. The prescribed structure will help to cater the ability of the child – stages of cognitive development as well as social and physical awareness. If implemented in its true vision, the new structure can bring India at par with the leading countries of the world.

ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURE

A PEEK INTO THE HARAPPAN CIVILISATION

Indus valley civilization or Harappan civilization is the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. A major hallmark of the Harrapan civilisation was the advanced and well-planned drainage system in place. Main street drains were covered with bricks and stones, and there were tertiary drains. Second storeys had drains built inside walls that ended just above the street drains. There were man-holes and soak pits with covers for removing solid waste.

Harappan era houses were of different sizes; had many rooms for different purposes; a courtyard; were sometimes double storeyed with staircases leading to the second floor; the floors were either tiled, or plastered, or covered with clay and sand. The Harappans had provisions for a separate bathroom and toilet in each house. Sometimes  a group of houses would have a separate common bathroom. Bathrooms had bathing platforms with sloping floors to drain off the water into the drain. Toilets in Harappan sites would generally be a hole over a cesspit. 

Harappan sites show an elaborate system of water management for collection and distribution of potable and bathing water.  There were separate channels for freshwaters, rainwater collection, and wastewater drainage. They also had systems for collecting/harvesting rain waters as evident from the numerous reservoirs, cisterns, and wells.

THE ANCIENT INDIAN ARCHITECTURAL TEXTS

In the Indian context, the term architecture is included within the realms of Silpasastra; a treatise. Indian architecture, known as Vastu Sastra, is seen as a part of a subdivision of the Silpasastras. Vastu-sastra would include, besides the basic architecture, all kinds of buildings being built it would also cover laying of parks and gardens; town planning; marketplace designing; digging drains, sewers, wells, and tanks; building dams, bathing ghats, walls and embankments.

Furthermore, it would also be a part of designing furniture suitable for the houses built. Besides these, Vastu Sastra also includes designing of clothing and accessories, such as headgear and various ornaments. Carving of sculptures of deities and famous people are also a part of Vastu Sastra. Even basics, such as selecting a site, testing the soil of the site, and ascertaining the cardinal directions of the site are all part of this ancient science of architecture better known as Vastu Sastra. Vastu Vidya or Vastu Sastra is so comprehensive and broad in its discourses that it is almost co-extensive with the Silpasastras. 

ARCHITECTURE IN BUDDHIST TEXTS

In Buddhist literature, there are plenty of references to high walls, ramparts and buttresses, gates, watchtowers and moats alluding to the fortification of towns and cities. Mentions are made of houses opening directly to the streets, thus hinting at a lack of enclosed spaces like gardens in front. These mostly talk of a large group of houses clumped together around narrow lanes, of sacred groves, and vast expanses of rice fields beyond.  The Jataka talks of individual houses that remain separate from villages and towns.

There are detailed descriptions of arama griha (rest houses) for people who liked to lead a quiet life and stay a little away from the hustle-bustle of the towns. As per the books, such houses should be located not too far or too close to the towns, the compounds are to be surrounded by three types of walls (stone, brick, and wooden fencing), and further surrounded by bamboo fences, thorn hedges, and moat-like ditches.

Houses should have living rooms, resting rooms, storerooms, halls for services, halls attached to bathrooms, closet rooms, cloisters, open-faced mandapas, and ponds. The inner chambers are to be divided into three parts:  square halls (Sivika garbha), rectangular halls (Nalika garbha) and dining halls (Harmya garbha). Verandas or alindas were essential for these houses, and were also present in prasada or storeyed houses, which were referred to as a veranda supported on pillars with elephant heads (Chullavagga, VI). Details of doors, windows, stairs, rooms and jaalis on them, and seven storeyed buildings (satta-bhumika-prasada) are frequently found in various Buddhist texts. There is another very interesting structure mentioned in the Vinaya texts.

These are the hot-air baths, which are described in great details; structures similar to the later period Turkish baths. Digha Niyaka also speaks of ornamented open-air bathing tanks. Such ancient baths have been found in fairly preserved conditions among the Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka) ruins.

ARCHITECTURE IN EPICS AND PURANAS

The Epics abound in the descriptions of cities, large palatial mansions, storeyed buildings, verandas, porches, victory arches, tanks with masonry stairs, prakara or walls, and various other structures which are all indicative of a well developed and flourishing architecture. The city plan of Ayodhya as given in the Ramayana, is found to be similar to the town-plan guidelines as laid down in the Manasara, which included beautiful devayatana (temples), gardens, alms-houses, assembly halls, and mansions. 

Ramayana also gives a detailed description of the beautiful city of Lanka in its Lanka-kanda. Mahabharata provides us with short but vivid descriptions of the cities of Mithila, Indraprastha, Dwaraka, among many others. Sabha-parvan provides us with a detailed description of different assembly halls, using examples of Indra sabha, and halls of  Varuna, Kubera, Yama, and the Pandavas. In both the epics there are details of lofty buildings (mostly painted in white) and large balconies; windows with lattices; comfortable rooms; king’s palaces; separate mansions for princes, ministers, army officers, and chief priests; smaller houses for common people; assembly halls; courts; and shops.

The Puranas deal with the topic of architecture in a more serious manner than the casual descriptions as found in the epics. Matsyapurana has 8 chapters with detailed discussion on architecture and sculptures.  Skanda purana has three extensive chapters that discuss the planning of laying of a large city. 

The other Puranas that extensively talk on architectural science are the GarudaPurana, Agnipurana, NaradaPaurna, VayuPurana, and BhavisyaPurana. Brihat-samhita composed by Varahamihira also devotes 5 chapters to architecture and sculpture and gives the subject a thorough and masterly treatment. From a definition of the science of architecture to choosing sites, soil testing, plan of buildings, to elaborate and comparative measurements of storeys and doors, carvings. etc., all are dealt with great details in this treatise.  Kautilya Artha-sastra has 7 chapters on the science of architecture, with a focus on structural details. Interestingly, this book gives detailed descriptions of forts and fortified cities, palaces with underground tunnels or surang, military and residential buildings within the scope of town planning.

MAKE IN INDIA

Make in India is a Government of India scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 intended to boost the domestic manufacturing sector and also augment investment into the country. The government wants to revive the lagging manufacturing sector and spur the growth of the economy. The GOI also intends to encourage businesses from abroad into investing in the country and also manufacture here, by improving the country’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ index. The long-term vision is to gradually develop India into a global manufacturing hub, and also boost employment opportunities in the country.

Make in India is a very important government programme that has under its wing, many other sub-schemes, and programmes. The Make in India logo is a lion. It is a lion’s silhouette filled with cogs. This symbolizes manufacturing, national pride, and strength.

MAKE IN INDIA- OBJECTIVES

There are several targets aimed by the Make in India mission. They are:

Increase in the manufacturing sector’s share in the GDP to 25% by 2022.

Create 100 million additional jobs in the manufacturing sector by 2022.

Creating required skill sets among the urban poor and the rural migrants to foster inclusive growth.

A rise in the domestic value addition and technological depth in the manufacturing sector.

Augmenting the global competitiveness of the Indian manufacturing sector

MAKE IN INDIA- ADVANTAGES

Generating employment opportunities.

When FDI inflows become more, the rupee will be strengthened.

When countries invest in India, they will also bring with them the latest technologies in various fields.

Due to the various initiatives taken under the Mission, India has moved up the ranks in the EoDB index.

Setting up manufacturing centres and factories in rural areas will foster the development of these areas as well.

Increasing the GDP by expanding economic growth.

MAKE IN INDIA- INITIATIVES

For the first time, the sectors of railways, insurance, defense, and medical devices have been opened up for more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

There is an Investor Facilitation Cell that assists investors from the time of their arrival in India to their departure from the country. This was created in 2014 for giving services to investors in all phases such as the pre-investment phase, execution, and also after delivery services.

The Shram Suvidha Portal, eBiz portal, etc. have been launched. The eBiz portal offers single-window access to eleven government services connected with starting a business in India.

Other permits and licenses required to start a business have also been relaxed. Reforms are being undertaken in areas like property registration, payment of taxes, getting power connection, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

The government hopes to improve physical infrastructure chiefly through the PPP mode of investment. Ports and airports have seen increased investment. Dedicated freight corridors are also being developed.

The government has taken steps to improve India’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ rank. India climbed 23 points in the Ease of Doing Business index to 77th place in 2019, becoming the highest-ranked in South Asia in this index.

MAKE IN INDIA- SCHEMES

STARTUP INDIA

The main idea behind this programme is to build an ecosystem that fosters the growth of startups, driving sustainable economic growth, and creating large-scale employment.

SKILL INDIA

This mission aims to skill 10 million in India annually in various sectors. Make in India to turn into a reality, there is a need to upskill the large human resource available. This is important because the percentage of formally skilled workforce in India is only 2% of the population.

DIGITAL INDIA

This aims to transform India into a knowledge-based and digitally empowered economy. To know more about Digital India, click on the linked page.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

The mission envisages financial inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely banking savings & deposit accounts, remittances, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.

SMART CITIES

This mission aims to transform and rejuvenate Indian cities. The goal is to create 100 smart cities in India through several sub-initiatives.

MAKE IN INDIA- CHALLENGES

India has about 60% of cultivable land. The thrust on manufacturing is said to affect agriculture negatively. It can even cause a permanent disruption of arable land.

It is also believed that the rapid industrialization can lead to a depletion of natural resources.

A fallout of inviting large-scale FDI is that local farmers and small entrepreneurs may not be able to face the competition from international players.

The campaign, with all its focus on manufacturing, can cause pollution and environmental side-effects.

There are serious lacunae in the physical infrastructure facilities in the country. For the campaign to be successful, it is necessary to build up the infrastructure available in the country and also reduce problems like corruption at the lowest levels.

BOOK REVIEW- I AM MALALA

I AM MALALA is the remarkable story of a family uprooted by global terrorism, of the fight for girls education and of the deep love of Malala’s parents for their daughter in a society that wants only sons. It makes us believe in the power of a person’s voice to inspire and bring the needed change in the world.

When the Taliban took control over the Swat valley, one girl spoke out with immense courage. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent and fought for her right to education. She was born in a poor family with two brothers younger than her. On Tuesday, 9th of October 2012, she paid the ultimate price. She was shot point blank while returning home from school in a bus. She was not expected to survive. Instead, her miraculous recovery took her from a remote village Swat in Northern Pakistan to the United States of America. At sixteen years, she has become a global symbol for peaceful protest and she won the Youngest Nobel Prize for Peace.

Her goal is to raise her voice on behalf of millions of girls who are denied the right of education and realize their potential. She has constituted the Malala Fund which believes that every child has the power to change the world. All that they need is a chance.

The fund will help local communities to develop innovative solutions to build traditional approaches when the girl children will find an audience to their voice and thereby create a better tomorrow. One child, One teacher, One book, One Pen is the motto of the Malala Fund that strives to change the world through education.

The first half of the book Malala describes Pakistan’s history including the history of her ancestors and the northern region of Pakistan, Swat where she lives. Malala also shares stories of her family, giving the reader a glimpse into the culture of Pakistan from a young woman’s perspective. Many of the stories involve Malala’s father Ziauddin Yousafzai. She describes his involvement in local politics, in the community and his vocal support of education for boys and girls.       

There’s no doubt in Malala’s passion and courage to stand-up for women’s rights stems from her father’s actions and character. Ziauddin Yousafzai defied Taliban orders by running a private school that encouraged girls to attend. Malala describes the challenges and frustrations her father faced when starting the school. The motto over the school’s door read “We are committed to build for your the call of the new era”. Her father believed the school’s students could fight the enemy with pens, not swords.

This book ‘I am Malala’ should be used in classes around the world. It is extremely powerful, and Malala is someone we can all learn from. When reading the book, we easily forget that Malala was just a child when most of these events happened. Most of us will not show one hundredth of her courage in our lifetime. She used her grief and her tragic past to build a cause and help solve the problems she sees as the most pressing. The fight is still going on and needs our attention, and Malala’s book is a testament to the power each and every one of us has to make the world a more equal place.